Everything old is new again. Here’s the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, looking just like the original, manufactured from 1955 (screw mount) until 1963. The optical design and mechanical construction are identical to those of its predecessor.

It sports an exceptionally short length of less than two centimetres, a clearly laid out depth of field scale and long focus throw for precise pre-focusing.

The optical design of 6 elements in 4 groups is identical to that of its ancestor. The historic optical design of the original lens has remained completely unchanged, says the company. However, the outward appearance of the new lens has been harmonized with the contemporary looks of the current portfolio of Leica M-Lenses. This applies to the Leica M bayonet mount with 6-bit coding, the shape of the focusing lock button, the diameter of the aperture ring and the style of the knurling on the barrel and rings. The style and construction of the lens hood reflects the original.

The lens is made in Germany and assembled in an elaborate process entirely by hand. Therefore, if you want one, you’ll have to pre-order it, and wait. Leica says that, “due to the strong demand, long delivery times must be taken into account, especially in the first few months.”